Uber Fighting Back Against Drowsy Driving

New Policy for Uber Drivers

Drowsy Driving is a major issue when it comes to driving safety. In a study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, it is estimated that almost 5,000 people died in drowsy-driving-related motor vehicle crashes across the United States last year.

Uber is taking note of these grim statistics and doing their part to help combat drowsy driving. In a new rule, the company will make drivers take a six-hour break after driving for 12 straight hours. This rule will take effect once Uber drivers are able to be monitored through an updated version of their app, using GPS and Telematics to detect if the car is moving.

An Uber user, Raul Castro thinks this is a good idea and “a must”. Herb, an Uber and Lyft driver said, “I think it’s great. That means there will be less guys out here sleeping in their cars and working for 48 hours at a time.”

The Problem with the Policy

There is another piece to puzzle though. He and others have pointed out that drivers may try to avoid this system by driving for Uber and Lyft; after you run Uber for 12 hours, just run Lyft, or vice versa.

Another Uber driver, Marla Hernandez said that she has driven for 24 hours straight before. She says that heavier travel days mean more money, but she makes sure to pace herself, usually. She plans to get in as many hours before the policy takes Place

Similar driving policies are already in place in New York City and in the UK according to Uber.

What are your thoughts on this new policy? Do you think it is fair and will make a positive impact, or do you think the change won’t help in any way? Let us know your thoughts